SURPRISE, Ariz. — When Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett broke in with Minnesota in 1984, the Twins had him room on the road with a veteran shortstop: Ron Washington.

The Twins did that because then-general manager Calvin Griffith thought Washington was ideally suited to teach Puckett all about major-league life. For the next three years, Puckett was Washington’s shadow.

This story is significant when considering the chance that outfielder Michael Choice will hit his way onto the major-league roster.

At 6 feet, Choice is four inches taller than Puckett but has the same powerful body, particularly in the legs. Washington never used Puckett’s name in a discussion on Sunday but dropped hints that he sees the same potential in Choice.

“So far, so good,” Washington said of Choice. “I have somebody in mind (as a comparison), but he has to do it first. I saw that guy when he was a rookie, just like Michael Choice. I see some similarities.”

Choice, who did not play in the 14-8 win over the Chicago White Sox, is batting .389 with a 1.100 OPS for 38 plate appearances. He has started multiple games at each outfield position.

Washington threw in the caveat of “spring training don’t make a career,” but he clearly has been impressed by Choice’s work.

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